A training course on the prevention, diagnosis, and control of echinococcosis was held in Ashgabat from July 13 to 17 for employees of the sanitary-epidemiological and veterinary services of Turkmenistan. The event was organized by the World Health Organization country office jointly with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service.

The course was part of the Pandemic Fund's project "Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Pandemics within the Framework of the One Health Initiative in Central Asia." Its objective is to strengthen the country's national capacity to combat echinococcosis through coordinated work between the human and animal health sectors.

The training was conducted by international FAO consultants from Kyrgyzstan, Talgat Tursunov and Aizat Arunova. The program included theoretical lessons and practical exercises for specialists from both agencies—the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan.

Participants deepened their knowledge of the epidemiology and control of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, practiced laboratory diagnostic and biosafety skills, and learned the principles of integrated epidemiological surveillance and data sharing across sectors. Particular attention was paid to interagency cooperation and the exchange of regional experience. These developments are planned to be used in preparing recommendations for future national disease prevention programs.

According to the organizers, the course marked another step in strengthening Turkmenistan's preparedness for zoonotic threats within the framework of the "One Health" approach, which involves close cooperation between the medical and veterinary sectors.